Steelers' New Depth Chart Reveals That Only One Surprising Rookie Is Listed As A Starter

The Pittsburgh Steelers addressed a few positions of need in the 2024 NFL Draft. General Manager Omar Khan notably drafted Troy Fautanu, Zach Frazier, Payton Wilson and Roman Wilson. It's too early to tell if those picks will pan out in the Steel City, but the Steelers are excited about this rookie class and it's for good reason. The offensive line, wide receiver and middle linebacker rooms have been weak spots on the Steelers' roster for a couple of years and these rookies have the ability to flip the script -- making those positions a strong suit for the Black and Gold. 

While Pittsburgh's first four selections in the draft might be their best players in this rookie class, there's an undrafted rookie that shouldn't be overlooked. The cornerback position, and more specifically, slot cornerback, was a position of need for the Steelers heading into the draft. Khan elected to not address cornerback in the draft, but he made a move promptly after the draft concluded that is proving to be a good decision already.

The Steelers' depth chart has been updated on Steelers.com, one name that really stands out is Beanie Bishop Jr. as the first string nickel back on Pittsburgh's defense.

Bishop was an undrafted free agent pickup and is the only rookie listed as a starter as it currently stands. Fautanu, Frazier and both Wilsons are with the second team unit for now.

Oftentimes with rookies, the Steelers will let them sit and develop because the transition from college football to professional football is difficult, but Pittsburgh doesn't really have the depth at slot cornerback to do this with Bishop. The backup listed behind Bishop is Grayland Arnold, who only has 33 tackles in the first four years of his NFL career. Cameron Sutton would be a solid option at slot cornerback for Pittsburgh where he flourished in the past, but he has to serve an eight-game suspension. After Sutton's suspension is over, it will be interesting to see if he slides into that first string spot.

The Steelers Have Had Success With An Undrafted Nickel In The Past

Starting an undrafted rookie at slot cornerback isn't unheard of for Pittsburgh, as Mike Hilton went undrafted and became one of the best slot corners in football during his time in the Steel City. The Steelers have been desperately needing someone like Hilton that can cover slot receivers and wreak havoc on an occasional nickel blitz. If Bishop can play somewhat close to Hilton's level, signing him as an undrafted free agent will go down as an absolute steal. 

Expecting Hilton level production from Bishop is a bit unfair in his first year, but the way he has climbed the depth chart is very telling of the kind of player Pittsburgh believes he is. 

Although Bishop is listed as a starter, he won't be asked to do too much. The rest of the Steelers' defense is very good, so Bishop will just have to take care of business from the nickel position and let the stars surrounding him make his job easier.

The Steelers certainly have one of the best defenses in the NFL on paper. Bishop might not be a standout in the Steel City just yet, but Defensive Coordinator Teryl Austin's defense is much better with consistent play from his slot cornerback. 

Pittsburgh made major improvements at middle linebacker, which has been a position of need for a number of years. Having middle linebackers that can cover tight ends and slot receivers takes a ton of pressure off of whoever is playing nickel. Patrick Queen and Wilson have the speed to help Bishop out a lot in coverage so that he's not asked to do too much in his rookie season. 

Expectations for Bishop shouldn't be too high in his rookie season, but he's definitely making a name for himself already.

Do you think Bishop will perform well as the starting nickel cornerback? Let us know in the comments below!

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